Multi-state outbreak of E. coli O121 spread to 15 US states

The possible source of the outbreak is a frozen chicken quesadilla

The FDA, USDA/FSIS, CDC, and state and local officials are investigating a multi-state outbreak of E. coli O121 illnesses possibly linked to certain Farm Rich and Market Day products.

A total of 27 persons infected with the outbreak strain of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O121 (STEC O121) have been reported from 15 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Mississippi, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.

The outbreak strain of E. coli O121 was isolated from a Farm Rich frozen chicken quesadilla product obtained from a consumer in New York who became ill. The testing was done by the New York State Department of Health Wadsworth Laboratory.

On April 4, 2013, due to possible contamination with Escherichia coli O121 bacteria (“E. coli O121”), Rich Products Corporation of Buffalo, New York, has expanded its earlier recall of certain Farm Rich® and Market Day® products to include all products produced at its Waycross, Georgia plant with “Best By” dates ranging from January 1, 2013 to September 29, 2014. The expanded recall is in addition to products recalled on March 28, 2013.  

The investigation into this outbreak continues, in order to determine whether there are other possible sources of the outbreak. 

Source: FDA http://www.fda.gov/Food/RecallsOutbreaksEmergencies/Outbreaks/ucm345768.htm